GOVERNMENT AND THE FREIGHT ON GRAIN.

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 419, 8 April 1899, Page 4

GOVERNMENT AND THE FREIGHT ON GRAIN.

There is something almost sublime (writes the Press) in the impudence with which the Government claim credit tor reductions in freight, with which they have nothing whatever to do, Uur readers will temember how Mr MoKcuzie laboured for some time under the pleasing delusion that he was doing wonders in London in the way of reducing freights on frozen meat, whereas the negotiations which resulted in the reductions had bien going on here for weeks, if not months, and were absolutely concluded before he knew anything about them. We now have the Premier claiming credit for getting the freights reduced on the carriage of wheat, when it is evident that he does uot even know what the ordinary rates are. In his Aucklaud speech he said that the Tyser line had agreed to give all the space at thendisposal outside of their freezing chambers on the regular liners from April to October at 30s for wheat and 32s 6d for oats. The freights now charged for these two commodities, he said, were 35s for wheat and 37s 6d for oats. As a matter of fact, these prices have Dot been charged this season. As is explained by a Wellington telegram in another column, the New Zealand Shipping Company has not carried a sack of wheat by Bteamer at over 30s, and the liners have agreed to carry at that rate, and sailing ships at 27s 6d for April-May loading. Both the Gothic and Kakaia were loaded at 30s. What can bo the olject of the Premier in making such mis-statements, which are bound to be " bowled out" at once, we cannot in the least de«ree imagine. He surely does not think such conduct does the Government any good. Whether his mis-statements proceed from sheer carelessness as to facts, or from a deliberate attempt to deceive, we can assure him that he is doing not only his Government, but New Zealand, a great deal of haim. The world cannot but hold in contempt a country whose Prime Minister has so little regard for the truth. .